LogFAQs > #900217688

The soaring home run rate also contributes to the increased strikeout rate because now guys know that it's strategically viable to sell out for power when even the lowliest infielders are capable of hitting 20 homers. So they try and succeed to hit more homers and strike out more because contact hitting is less of a concern, and also because pitching velocities are insanely high so it kind of makes sense to roll the dice and try for a bomb instead of letting yourself get sawed off or jammed on weak contact if you choke up. Plus the velocities make striking out easier anyway.